For people who want to undergo a weight loss procedure, the idea of going to a hospital in their own city sounds wonderful. After all, you could know some of the doctors and surgeons there, and even if you don’t you trust them to take good care of you because they speak English clearly and are American like you.

Unfortunately, weight loss surgeries in the US – even after insurance coverage – can cost a fortune and more. In many states, bariatric surgery is not even covered by the insurers, and if you do get some coverage, it’s bound to have exclusions. As a result, hundreds of thousands of eligible American patients are unable to afford this life-altering procedure. But not all hope is lost.

Contact Jet Medical Tourism® today. Thousands of people travel to Mexico each year to get affordable and reliable weight loss surgery. In the last few years, Mexico underwent huge technological advances, especially in the medical and healthcare industry.

Now that Americans and Canadians are realizing that cost of weight loss surgery in Mexico is a fraction of what they would have to pay in their home country, the influx of foreign patients in Mexico is at an all-time high.

With social media and inexpensive air travel, the world is getting smaller. That’s why most of our own patients come to us through word-of-mouth referrals; they hear about the sophisticated medical care in Mexico from their friends or family members who have received excellent results and seemingly dropped 10 sizes overnight.

And the best part is, you don’t have to go broke or take a second mortgage to afford the treatments!

If you would like to learn more about the weight loss surgery cost in Mexico, read on to find out how much each type of bariatric surgery costs in the world’s leading weight loss tourism destination.

The growth of bariatric surgeries in Mexico

Bariatric surgery in Mexico has seen significant growth over the past decade. According to Medical Tourism Magazine, Mexico ranks among the top three destinations for medical tourism worldwide.

Key Factors Driving Growth

Rising Obesity Rates: Obesity has become a global epidemic. Many people are turning to surgery as a solution when diets and exercise fail.
Cost Savings: Patients save an average of 60% by choosing Mexico for bariatric surgery.
Improved Healthcare Infrastructure: Mexico has invested heavily in healthcare facilities and medical training to meet international standards.

The Mexico bariatric surgery market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% through 2029.

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Gastric sleeve cost in Mexico

So how much does gastric sleeve cost in Mexico? Well, it depends on two things:

Does your insurance cover bariatric procedures?
Where are you getting the surgery (i.e., which hospital)?

The gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most highly-recommended procedures for morbidly obese due to its high success rate and effectiveness. And keep in mind that gastric sleeve, like all the other weight-loss procedures, is an inpatient surgery. That means you’ll need to stay at the hospital for 1-3 nights after the surgery. This hospital stay cost is added to the surgery price.

Generally, the gastric sleeve cost in Mexico ranges from $4,500 – $8,000. Again, it depends on where you’re getting the surgery. At Jet Medical Tourism®, we offer gastric sleeve surgery starting at $4,625 and it includes 3-night stay, lab-work and tests, all the ground transportation, and much more.

Gastric sleeve cost with insurance

If your insurance company covers the gastric sleeve surgery cost, you can expect to pay little or no out-of-pocket money to as much as $15,000. Also, as you may already know, the insurance process will be drawn out over the course of 1-2 years.

Make sure you check with your insurer to see whether they cover gastric sleeve surgery in your plan, and what are the criteria to get coverage.

Gastric sleeve cost without insurance

If your procedure is not covered by the insurance, you should still ask them if they can cover any of the costs incurred from your gastric sleeve surgery. Some insurance companies may not pay for the procedure itself but they do cover the different parts of the surgery, such as air travel or medications.

If your insurance won’t cover it, you’ll have to open up your wallet or purse and release $10,000 to $20,000 out of your own pocket for gastric sleeve in the US. On the other hand, you can get same state-of-the-art gastric sleeve surgery for $4,500 to $5,000 in Mexico.

Related: How to pay for bariatric surgery without insurance

Gastric bypass cost in Mexico

Gastric bypass in Mexico is also available at nearly 60% of the cost in the US and Canada. On average, gastric bypass costs $6,500 in Mexico, and the price includes:

Tests
Medications,
Nutritional consultations
Ground transportation
Accommodation in 5-star hotels etc.

On the other hand, you can expect to pay $16,000 – $22,000 for the same surgery in the US.

Many people think that this substantial difference in prices is due to the bariatric surgeon’s qualifications only, but that’s not true at all. A lot of factors determine the cost of medical treatment, including the location and fee of the medical facility itself. Believe it or not, but something as seemingly unrelated as number of hospital workers and land prices can have a significant impact on how much a hospital charges for in-patient treatments.

Related: How much does gastric bypass cost?

And considering the factors that real estate is cheaper in Mexico and payrolls are also less (they get paid in Mexican pesos), hospitals in Mexico can get away with charging considerably less for their services.

Cost of bariatric surgery in Mexico vs USA

Country	Average Cost of Gastric Sleeve	Average Cost of Gastric Bypass
United States	$13,000 to $25,000	$20,000 to $30,000
Mexico	$4,500 to $7,000	$6,000 to $9,000

Bariatric revision surgery cost in Mexico

Weight loss surgery is a huge financial and emotional investment. If the results don’t meet your expectations, you can feel devastated. Bariatric revision weight loss surgery is designed to address these exact problems.

If you regained weight after your surgery or didn’t lose the amount of weight you wanted to, a revision surgery can improve your results and trigger an even greater weight loss.
New research shows that patients who get revision weight loss surgery lose 56% of their extra weight, on average.
In case your insurance doesn’t cover a revision bariatric surgery, you can choose to get it from a qualified bariatric surgeon in Mexico.

The most popular types of revision surgeries are gastric sleeve revision and lap-band revision to gastric sleeve. The following table highlights the cost of some of the most popular revision procedures:

Revision Surgery Cost	Cost in the US	Cost in Mexico	Savings
Gastric Sleeve Revision Cost	$29,000	$5,500	$19,500
Lap Band Revision to Gastric Sleeve Cost	$25,000	$6,500	$18,500

Gastric band / lap band surgery cost in Mexico

Wondering how much does a gastric band cost in Mexico? On average, lap band surgery cost in Mexico is about $6,000. The same procedure costs around $25,000 in the United States. When you look at the figures, it’s no wonder why more than 70% of gastric band patients are from the US.

In addition to the reduced costs, patients also like the fact that Mexican bariatric hospitals are fully-integrated facilities, i.e., you have a pharmacy, ICU, outpatient clinic, emergency room, neonatal ICU, X-ray, MRI, blood bank, fully-equipped lab, helicopter landing zone, and even doctors’ offices right inside the hospital. There is also an ATM, chapel, cafeteria, and gift shop in most established Mexican hospitals.

Related: Gastric Bypass vs Lap Band

So, unless you really want to explore the city, there is absolutely no need for you to step outside the facility. However, the biggest compliment that we get from our patients is that our doctors and nurses never seem like they are in a hurry to “get done with a patient”, unlike the hospitals in the states. By nature, Mexicans are known to be warm and friendly, and that goes for our medical staff. They are always more than happy to stop by and talk to you, especially if you have come alone for your treatment.

Other Reasons to Choose Bariatric Surgery in Mexico

Top-Notch Medical Facilities: Accredited hospitals in Tijuana meet international standards and feature advanced technology.
Experienced Surgeons: Many bariatric surgeons in Mexico have international training and certifications.
Comprehensive Packages: Many clinics include transportation, accommodation, and post-op care in their packages.
Accessibility: Proximity to the U.S. makes it easy for patients to travel.

Hidden Costs of Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

Choosing weight loss surgery in Mexico can be an affordable and effective option. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential hidden costs and factors that could impact your overall experience and budget. Here are the key considerations and what you should look for when selecting a bariatric surgeon to ensure a safe and cost-effective journey:

1. Pre-Operative Testing and Consultations

Many clinics in Mexico offer bundled packages for weight loss surgery, but these may not include necessary pre-operative tests or consultations. Tests like blood work, EKGs, and other screenings might come at an additional cost. Always confirm with the clinic what is included in the package and what you may need to arrange separately.

2. Hiatal Hernia Repair Cost

Some patients with obesity may have an underlying hiatal hernia, which may require simultaneous treatment during the bariatric surgery. The cost for a hiatal hernia repair can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the complexity of the surgery. Be sure to inquire if this additional procedure is included or will incur extra charges.

3. Hospital and Facility Fees

Some bariatric surgery packages in Mexico advertise low prices but only cover the surgeon’s fee. Ensure the package includes hospital or clinic costs, such as operating room charges, nursing staff, and equipment fees. Hidden facility fees can quickly add up if not clarified in advance.

4. X-Ray and Fluoroscopy Exams

Pre-surgery imaging, such as X-rays and fluoroscopy exams, are often necessary for bariatric procedures to ensure proper planning and avoid complications. These exams might not be covered by the surgery package and can come with an additional cost. It’s essential to confirm if these are included or need to be arranged separately.

5. Anesthesia and Extra Surgical Costs

While the surgeon’s fee is usually covered in most packages, anesthesia and other surgical-related costs like medical supplies and the surgical team’s fees may be billed separately. Always check whether anesthesia and its associated costs (e.g., sedatives, monitoring equipment) are part of the total cost.

6. Take-Home Medications

After surgery, you will likely need prescription medications to manage pain, prevent infection, or aid in recovery. Many clinics do not include the cost of take-home medications in their surgery packages, so be sure to account for these extra costs when budgeting.

7. Post-Operative Care and Nutritional Support Costs

Ongoing nutritional counseling and support are critical for long-term success after bariatric surgery. Some clinics offer a certain number of post-operative visits, but additional consultations may cost extra. It’s essential to know whether follow-up nutritional guidance is included or if you will be responsible for those expenses.

8. Transportation Costs

While surgery packages might seem affordable, don’t overlook transportation costs. Flights, taxis, and transportation to and from the hospital or clinic for consultations, follow-ups, and the surgery itself can accumulate quickly. Make sure to factor in these costs when planning your budget.

9. Companion Costs

If you plan to bring a companion with you to Mexico, remember that they will also need accommodations, food, and transportation, adding to the overall cost. Some clinics offer discounts or support for companions, but this is not always the case, so be prepared for these additional expenses.

10. Language Barriers and Documentation

Communication is key during medical procedures. Ensure the clinic provides English-speaking staff and that all contracts, pre-operative instructions, and post-operative care plans are clearly translated. Miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes.

If you have any questions about weight loss surgery cost in Mexico or want to talk with one of our bariatric surgeons, feel free to call us at 1-855-506-6188 or leave us a message here.

Weight Loss Surgery Cost in Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide